How do Tankless Water Heaters Work vs Traditional Tanks?

How do Tankless Water Heaters Work?

1 When a hot water tap is opened at the low flow of 1/2 or 3/4 gallons per minute, the cold water enters the heater and triggers the heating elements or burners to turn on. Your hot water tap acts as an ignition key for the energy used to heat the hot water you need.

2 The water is then heated as it flows through the heating elements or heat exchanger.

3 As you change the water flow, a water valve or thermostat controls the heating elements or burner flame to maintain a constant temperature. The amount of energy used is always proportional to the volume of hot water being used.

4 The water temperature can be adjusted to produce outlet temperatures ranging from 100 Degrees to 140 Degrees F.

5 When the hot water tap is turned off, the system shuts down.

Tankless Water Heaters generally from .4 to 3/4 gallons per minute for activation. Check each model for the exact amount.

How do Tank Water Heaters Work?

1 When a hot water tap is opened, heated water is drawn off the top of the tank. Cold water is fed into the bottom of the tank to replace the outgoing hot water.

2 The incoming cold water triggers the tank's electric heating element, a gas burner or an electrical coil.

3 The water is heated for as long as necessary to bring the entire tank back up to the preset temperature.

4 If demand surpasses the tank's storage capacity, you must close the tap and wait until the tank reheats all the water.

5 Stored hot water loses heat through the side walls and up the flue pipe (if it's a gas heater). As the water temperature drops, the heater kicks on to reheat the water again over and over.